A dictionary of English proverbs and proverbial phrases : $b with a copious index of principal words

"A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases" by Thomas Preston is a reference work that compiles proverbs and proverbial phrases in English, likely written in the late 19th century. This collection serves as an educational tool, encapsulating moral maxims and insights embedded in proverbs which have been passed down through generations. Each entry reflects the wisdom and wit of the English-speaking world, making it an indispensable guide for anyone interested in the richness of the language. At the start of the dictionary, the author introduces the significance of proverbs as historic tools of instruction and moral guidance. In the preface, Preston discusses the evolution of proverbs over time and the need for a contemporary compilation that is user-friendly, structured, and easily referenced. He acknowledges past collections and aims to improve upon them by organizing the proverbs alphabetically and offering a copious index, thus allowing readers to find sayings related to specific themes or keywords swiftly. This foundation sets the stage for the subsequent entries, which contain a wide array of proverbs reflecting different aspects of life and human experience.